Taylor’s Mexican Chili Parlor

Carlinville, Illinois

During the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, Charles O. Taylor worked at the Mexican National Exposition where he learned to prepare and enjoy a number of authentic Mexican dishes. Upon returning to Carlinville a Mexican working on a local farm taught Mr. Taylor how to make carne y frijoles. That recipe became the foundation for Taylor's Mexican chili with beans. Taylor opened a small chili parlor in the fall of 1904 on W. Main Street.